6. If this be true, doubtless
also the providing for the interment of bodies a place at
the
Memorials of Saints, is a mark of a good human affection towards
the remains of one’s friends: since if there be religion in the
burying, there cannot but be religion in taking thought where the
burying shall be. But while it is desirable there should be such
like solaces of survivors, for the showing forth of their pious
mind towards their beloved, I do not see what helps they be to the
dead save in this way: that upon recollection of the place in which
are deposited the bodies of those whom they love, they should by
prayer commend them to those same Saints, who have as patrons taken
them into their charge to aid them before the Lord. Which indeed
they would be still able to do, even though they were not able to
inter them in such places. But then the only reason why the name
Memorials or Monuments is given to those sepulchres of the dead
which become specially distinguished, is that they recall to
memory, and by putting in mind cause us to think of, them who by
death are withdrawn from the eyes of the living, that they may not
by forgetfulness be also withdrawn from men’s hearts. For both
the term Memorial2726
most plainly shews this, and
Monument is so named from monishing, that is, putting in
mind. For
which reason the
Greeks also call that
μνημεῖον which we
call a
Memorial or Monument: because in their
tongue the memory
itself, by which we remember, is called
μνήμη. When
therefore the
mind recollects where the body of a very dear
friend
lies buried, and thereupon there occurs to the thoughts a place
rendered venerable by the name of a Martyr, to that same Martyr
doth it commend the
soul in affection of heartfelt recollection
2727
and
prayer. And when this affection is exhibited to the departed by
faithful men who were most dear to them, there is no doubt that it
profits them who while living in the body merited that such things
should
profit them after this
life. But even if some necessity
should through absence of all facility not allow bodies to be
interred, or in such places interred, yet should there be no
pretermitting of
supplications for the spirits of the dead: which
supplications, that they should be made for all in
Christian and
catholic
fellowship departed, even without mentioning of their
names, under a general commemoration, the
Church hath charged
herself withal; to the intent that they which lack, for these
offices,
parents or sons or whatever
kindred or
friends, may have
the same afforded unto them by the one pious mother which is common
to all. But if there were lack of these supplications, which are
made with right faith and piety for the dead, I account that it
should not a whit profit their spirits, howsoever in holy places
the lifeless bodies should be deposited.
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